Crouch told he will only get bit-part at Liverpool

[Guest]

But when you are only playing with one striker, do you really want them running around the whole pitch doing the "donkey" work, or would you prefer to leave that to the midfield and have the striker simply play as a striker, and be prepared for balls into the box etc?

We don't have enough quality on the wings and players getting into the box. Kuyt works a lot and pulls defences all over the place, and if we had the personnel we would have benefited from it. He creates far more than he completes them. That's why he probably plays more than Crouch.

[kopdan]

Rafa seems to think it matters. I do feel Crouchie needs a chance at the expense of Kuyt too, but I've seen games where he's been virtually non existent, whilst Kuyt even though inefficient in striking terms, does a whole load of donkey work. To be fair to him, he did create 3 or 4 chances for himself and Stevie on saturday.

I still think Kuyt has a future here but for gawds sake, play him as a striker and feed from wide or at least give him a partner that can score

[friedk]

I thought it was quite a complimentary statement by Rafa saying Crouch was one of the players that made a real difference to the side when he came off the bench, then the journalist decided to twist it to "Crouch to become a bit part player".

Just my opinion.

[Guest]

I still think Kuyt has a future here but for gawds sake, play him as a striker and feed from wide or at least give him a partner that can score

That's why he's better with Torres, who has good movement too. Kuyt is an excellent player, out of form, but excellent nonetheless. I think people need to get their head examined if they think he's poor. I've never seen a striker work so hard and creates as much space for others. As you say, he needs a proper striker to play alongside him. He won't score 25 goals a season & I don't think Rafa's bought him for that.

[friedk]

I still think Kuyt has a future here but for gawds sake, play him as a striker and feed from wide or at least give him a partner that can score

I don't mind Kuyt, but it's obvious his confidence isn't there and I think he would benefit from a spell on the bench.

[kopdan]

he'll work all day for the team. Thats great. Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler did the same.

But they also banged a **** load of goals in.

[Guest]

he'll work all day for the team. Thats great. Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler did the same.

But they also banged a **** load of goals in.

He works more than these lads. In the champions league final alone I think he ran 11 kms. That's bloody exceptional for a striker.

He could do with a bit of coaching as to how he should run, but it seems Rafa sees something different and we could discuss all day without having an answer.

[Reece]

He could do with a bit of coaching as to how he should run

And trap the ball.
And pass.
And shoot.

[kopdan]

He works more than these lads. In the champions league final alone I think he ran 11 kms. That's bloody exceptional [you mean pointless] for a striker.

He could do with a bit of coaching as to how he should run, but it seems Rafa sees something different and we could discuss all day without having an answer.

stick Momo up front then. He will run 15kms

[einar]

That's why he's better with Torres, who has good movement too. Kuyt is an excellent player, out of form, but excellent nonetheless. I think people need to get their head examined if they think he's poor. I've never seen a striker work so hard and creates as much space for others. As you say, he needs a proper striker to play alongside him. He won't score 25 goals a season & I don't think Rafa's bought him for that.

This is a good call on Kuyt. And it was supposed to be Gerrards job on saturday to make use of Kuyts movement.

Having said that he is still not good enough for me. We need a player in his position who has better technique, touch and finishing. They cost allot of money but now we have it so IMO he should be out in maybe 12 to 18 months.

[Guest]

And trap the ball.
And pass.
And shoot.

Try running as much as him and do the things you listed. At this level, it's difficult. Then, I'm no Rafa, I'm just trying to keep the discussion going ...

[Guest]

stick Momo up front then. He will run 15kms

Pointless discussion.

[thekop]

Crouch deserves a chance imo

He also deserves more respect on the pitch. Dont just hoof it up to him. Play football. Far better footballer than Kuyt and Voronin.

Well said KD but the writings defo on the wall for him as most would agree but, unless we bring in a real quality Striker to replace him! then i would be very disapointed.

Also, Kuyt and Veronin just havn't done it for me at all, although Kuyt works hard for the team, he's not what i'd call a preditor Striker infact, all bar Torres, we havn't got one. Having said that, Crouch did the buisness last Season and look where that got him.

Personally, i don't think Rafa's given up hope on persuading Villa to join us although, his price tag may well put Rafa off, we'll see

[kopdan]

Pointless discussion.

kind of

[red g]

He works more than these lads. In the champions league final alone I think he ran 11 kms. That's bloody exceptional for a striker.

He could do with a bit of coaching as to how he should run, but it seems Rafa sees something different and we could discuss all day without having an answer.

didnt Rafa once say that crouch ran more than anyone in the team?